Yes, this is not a difficult task, and after some practice, you can warp images into virtually any shape you wish.
Create Space: Your first step should be to add enough working space around the object to accommodate the warped image.
Choose: Image > Canvas Size and add space. I usually just double the size.
I will usually also drag a copy of the image by dragging its layer to the New Layer icon at the bottom right of the Layers Palette. This preserves the original.
Begin Transformation: Now choose: Edit > Transform > Warp
This presents you with a spline-mesh covering the image.
Select a Warp Shape: From the Options bar, note the "Custom" pull-down menu. This allows you to select any shape you wish to begin with. Here, you can select from a lot of different shapes, and Photoshop will set up the warp mesh to match.
Modifying the Warp Shape: Turn your attention to the Options Bar and you find a series of entry fields where you can modify the shapes. It's a good idea to make a mental note of the default settings.
Changing these settings will help modify and fine-tune your auto shape.
If you wish to try your own hand at setting up the shape, or you have a pre-defined shape to adhere to, then you'll want to leave the Warp settings at Custom. For instance, perhaps you might have a coffee mug, or other container you want your image wrapped around. Perfect for packaging. Or, perhaps you're putting a tattoo on a human body, and you want it to follow the contour of the body. Again, and easy task using the Custom Warp Operations.
As this tutorial continues, we'll take a look at Custom Warp Operations.
For ongoing original content about Photoshop, painting, color and image retouching visit DTG Magazine's Photoshop Content areas at: www.Graphic-Design.com/Photoshop
Use the SUBMIT BUTTON to enter your favorite Photoshop resource or tutorials site. It will be added to the Photoshop 911 directory database for caller referrals, as well as the Photoshop911 Blog.
Understand that a volunteer will visit, and validate the link. Please do NOT add front pages or empty content pages like lists of tutorials or other links. Please add ONLY one resource per submission, and make sure the link goes directly to the referenced resource. Let us know if you wish to be a Photoshop 911 volunteer
Please REGISTER YOUR SERVICES with Photoshop 911 so you can be called upon when emergencies require a professional in the field who is available to take on new clients. Once you register you will be contacted for particulars. Please be patient, there's already a long list.
from the Editor:
I was delighted that day back in 1989 when Peggy Killburn called to ask if I could handle one more speaker in my "Great Graphics Tips & Tricks" session scheduled for the 1990 Macworld Expo. "Yes" was my response to her request to add Russell Brown to my panel. After all, we loved Adobe's young "Illustrator" program, and were quite anxious to try out their upcoming new product called "Photoshop." After seeing his demo, I was convinced Photoshop would be big. So the next month we added "Photoshop Tips & Tricks" to our regular DTG Magazine uploads to Compuserve, GEnie and AOL. The rest is history.
I only regret that I didn't trademark the name.
Editor / Publisher: Photoshop Tips & Tricks, DTG Magazine.